Valve has this week started accepting non-gaming software to its recently launched Steam Greenlight service through its Steam software distribution network.
Valve launched their Steam Greenlight service a few months back, and has now also started allowing developers to post their games without paying the $100 fee normally required, within a new area called “Concepts”.
The new Concepts area provides a compromise between the open and fee-based alternative within Steam Greenlight, which Valve quickly implemented after a flood of applications.
Understanding the Steam Greenlight Service
Valve explains a little more about the new Steam Greenlight service feature: “Developers of games or software that are early in their development or creative process can now post their early work to start building a community and getting feedback from prospective customers,”-“Concepts can be posted for free, but the voting on these items serves only to give the developer data and feedback and does not lead toward getting the game distributed on Steam.”
Steam Greenlight has been designed to allow the Steam community to help select new games to be released on Steam. Developers post information, screenshots, and videos about their new creations and then seek support from the Steam community in order to get selected for distribution. This community-driven approach ensures that the games and software that make it to the Steam platform have a built-in audience and have been vetted by potential users.
Benefits and Challenges of the Concepts Area
The introduction of the Concepts area is a significant development for both developers and the Steam community. For developers, it provides an opportunity to showcase their projects without the financial barrier of the $100 submission fee. This is particularly beneficial for indie developers and small studios who may not have the resources to pay the fee upfront. By posting their concepts, developers can gather valuable feedback and gauge interest in their projects before committing further resources.
For the Steam community, the Concepts area offers a glimpse into the creative process of game and software development. Users can engage with developers, provide feedback, and influence the direction of projects they are interested in. This interaction can lead to a more refined and polished final product that better meets the needs and desires of the community.
However, the Concepts area also presents some challenges. Since the voting on concepts does not lead to distribution on Steam, developers must still navigate the traditional Greenlight process to get their projects officially released. This means that even if a concept receives positive feedback, there is no guarantee it will make it to the Steam platform. Additionally, the influx of concepts could potentially overwhelm users, making it difficult to identify truly promising projects.
Despite these challenges, the Concepts area represents a step forward in fostering innovation and collaboration within the Steam community. By lowering the barriers to entry and encouraging early feedback, Valve is helping to nurture the next generation of game and software developers.
In conclusion, Valve’s expansion of the Steam Greenlight service to include non-gaming software and the introduction of the Concepts area are significant developments that benefit both developers and the Steam community. By providing a platform for early-stage projects and encouraging community engagement, Valve is helping to shape the future of digital distribution and game development.
Source: Steam
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